Sheriff's Office: 10-month-old Castroville child missing

CASTROVILLE — The family of a Castroville missing child seek the assistance of the media and public in locating her.

The missing child is a 10-month-old girl named Angelle Jenenis Negron.

Angelle was last seen by her family on the evening of Feb. 2 when she was picked up from her grandmother's home in Castroville by her non-custodial parent, 47-year-old Jesus "Jessie" Espinoza for a routine weekly visitation. Espinoza was supposed to return the child the following day to her grandmother's home.

On Feb. 3, Espinoza contacted the grandmother, Pompey Morales, and asked to keep the child for an additional three days. On Feb. 6, Espinoza's older daughter, Linda Espinoza, called Morales and told her that their family was going to Disneyland and would bring Angelle back when they returned from their trip. Mrs. Morales agreed and Espinoza assured her that the child would be returned Sunday at 8 a.m.

On Saturday night, Espinoza's daughter called Morales and told her that she "was no longer going cover for her dad and that the family never went to Disneyland." The child was not dropped off at her grandmother's home Sunday as previously agreed to with the elder Espinoza.

When the child was not dropped off Sunday morning, Morales contacted the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and reported the child missing.

The Sheriff's Office has initiated an investigation and is currently looking for Jesus Espinoza as a person of interest; he and the child have not been seen since Feb. 2 when he picked up Angelle from Morales' home.

While it is not confirmed, it is believed that Angelle is with Espinoza heading towards Southern California. Espinoza's daughter Linda has been contacted and questioned by the Sheriff's Office. As the investigation continues, Jesus Espinoza and Angelle have yet to be located.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Davis with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office at (831) 755-3772. Any Information that may assist in locating and bringing Angelle to her family can also be provided by calling the Sheriff Tip's Line at (888) 833-4TIP (4847).